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Program Director Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Holy Childhood, Inc.

IEP Coordinator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Director of School Program HOURS/STATUS:Full-Time/Exempt, 10-month , desired start date 8/24/26 SALARY RANGE: $65,000-$70,000 based on experience JOB SUMMARY It is the responsibility of the IEP ...

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LifeWise Academy

Elementary Teacher

NY · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Take attendance in each class and provide attendance records to LifeWise program director and/or school officials as needed * Maintain accurate class rosters including health concerns, special needs ...

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All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Rochester, NY

Program Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$29.1K

$77.1K

$135.1K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Rochester, NY is $77,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $91,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Program Directors?

Program Directors are professionals responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing specific programs within an organization. They manage budgets, coordinate staff, evaluate program effectiveness, and ensure goals align with the organization’s mission. Program Directors often work in fields such as education, healthcare, nonprofit, and media. Their leadership ensures that programs run smoothly, meet objectives, and deliver value to stakeholders.

What are some common challenges Program Directors face when overseeing multiple projects or initiatives?

Program Directors often encounter the challenge of balancing competing priorities across several projects, while ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals. Managing diverse teams, coordinating resources, and addressing unexpected obstacles—such as shifting stakeholder requirements or budget constraints—are common aspects of the role. Effective communication, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential for navigating these complexities and ensuring successful program delivery. Collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams is also crucial for resolving issues promptly and maintaining program momentum.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Program Directors in certain industries, such as healthcare, technology, or large nonprofit organizations, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. High-level executive roles like CEOs or CFOs often surpass this threshold, but they are not specific to the Program Director position. Compensation varies widely based on industry, organization size, and geographic location.

Is a Program Director higher than a program manager?

A Program Director typically holds a higher-level leadership role than a program manager, overseeing multiple projects or programs and setting strategic goals. Program managers focus on managing individual projects within a program, executing plans, and ensuring deliverables. The hierarchy can vary by organization, but generally, Program Directors have broader responsibilities and authority than program managers.

What is the role of a Program Director?

A Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and management of multiple related projects within an organization to achieve strategic goals. They coordinate teams, allocate resources, monitor progress, and ensure programs meet deadlines and budgets, often requiring strong leadership and communication skills. The role may also involve reporting to stakeholders and ensuring compliance with policies and standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Director, you need strong leadership, project management, and strategic planning skills, usually supported by a relevant degree and several years of management experience. Experience with budgeting software, project management tools like Asana or MS Project, and familiarity with compliance standards are often necessary. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution abilities are critical soft skills that set top Program Directors apart. These skills are crucial for aligning teams, driving program success, and ensuring organizational goals are consistently met.

What Is a Program Director?

A program director is an upper-management position found within organizations across almost all industries. Your primary job duties include coordinating, implementing, and overseeing all details of a company’s operation and programs. You monitor the budget, create community programs, supervise other managers, and develop better business practices. The exact job duties vary widely depending on industry and employer. Some program directors oversee the entire organization while others oversee specific departments. Though almost all industries utilize program directors, the two most commonly seen are business and healthcare.

What is the difference between Program Director vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram DirectorProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree; often prefers PMP or similar certificationsRequires a bachelor’s degree; PMP or CAPM certifications are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects within a program, strategic focusManages individual projects, tactical focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in nonprofits, corporate, government sectors for large initiativesCommon across industries for specific project execution

The Program Director focuses on overseeing multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals, while the Project Manager handles the planning and execution of a single project. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What degree do you need to be a Program Director?

A Program Director typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, management, or a specific industry area. Many roles also prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications, along with experience in leadership, project management, or the specific program area.
More about Program Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Program jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,099 per year, or $37.1 per hour.
Executive Director, STELLAR Program

Executive Director, STELLAR Program

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • On-site

$205K - $328K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 181 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 546 rated colleges and universities

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620
Opening:
Worker Subtype:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
100017 Office of the VP for Research
Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)
Range:
UR URG 121
Compensation Range:
$205,245.00 - $328,392.00
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of STELLAR, an NSF Engines program advancing a regional innovation ecosystem across the 11-county Rochester Finger Lakes region. The mission of STELLAR is to create and grow an ecosystem in the Rochester, NY region that advances the science, technology, and engineering of lasers to provide US-based sources of next-generation lasers for scientific, industrial, manufacturing, energy, biomedical, and national security applications.
Reporting to the Vice President for Research, initially, and ultimately a Board of Directors, once in place, the Executive Director is responsible for all aspects of the organization's strategic direction,, performance, operations, financial stewardship, and external representation. The Executive Director serves as the primary institutional and sponsor-facing leader for the NSF STELLAR award, ensuring alignment with NSF priorities, compliance with award terms and conditions, and achievement of defined programmatic outcomes and impacts.
The Executive Director provides visionary leadership for the region's innovation ecosystem, shaping and advancing strategies for technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and workforce development, and broadening participation in laser manufacturing and advanced laser applications. The role requires building and sustaining productive, high-level partnerships with industry, academic, government, and economic development organizations in the region to translate research into societal and economic.
The Executive Director is responsible for defining and achieving STELLAR's financial, operational, and performance objectives. This includes stewardship of NSF and complementary funding, ensuring effective governance, financial sustainability, and continuous improvement, as well as coordinating with partners to deliver measurable regional, workforce, and economic outcomes consistent with NSF Engines and NYSTAR expectations, and such other objectives as may be defined.
Essential Functions:
Executive Leadership, Strategy & Organizational Management
  • Provide executive leadership and overall direction for STELLAR, with authority and responsibility for the entire initiative, ensuring alignment with NSF priorities, award terms and conditions, and the University's research, innovation, and economic development goals .
  • Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of STELLAR's long-term strategic plan and annual operating plan, advancing NSF's goals related to research, translational impact, workforce development, and broadening participation;; clearly communicate the vision, strategy, and performance expectations to senior University leadership, board members, staff, and external partners.
  • Direct and oversee STELLAR's organizational structure, staffing, and operations, including recruitment and supervision of senior personnel responsible for finance, program management, communications, and partnerships.
  • Ensure STELLAR meets or exceeds all programmatic, financial, and performance objectives, including compliance with NSF award requirements, reporting obligations, and University policies.
  • Identify, launch, and advance new initiatives and strategic partnerships to address emerging regional, institutional, and NSF priorities in innovation, workforce development, and technology transfer.

Stakeholder, Board, and Partner Engagement
  • Serve as the principal institutional representative and liaison for STELLAR, maintaining high-level relationships with University leadership, faculty, regional stakeholders, economic development organizations, industry partners, and government agencies.
  • Provide executive-level coordination and open communication among major internal and external stakeholders.
  • Inform, advise, and engage the Board of Directors; support governance functions, strategic decision-making, and performance oversight.
  • Build and sustain collaborative, mission-driven partnerships that produce measurable economic, research, and workforce development outcomes.
  • Lead engagement with entrepreneurs, faculty innovators, and startups to advance STELLAR's technology commercialization and innovation pipeline.

Financial Sustainability and Resource Development
  • Exercise fiduciary responsibility for STELLAR's financial health through financial oversight and long-term sustainability planning.
  • Maintain and strengthen relationships with the various funding agencies and partners, including NSF, while identifying and securing new sources of support.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, sponsor, and University financial, contractual, and reporting requirements.
  • Partner with University research administration, finance, and legal offices to ensure effective stewardship of sponsored funds and institutional resources.

Marketing, Communications and External Relations
  • Provide executive oversight of STELLAR's marketing and communications strategy to strengthen visibility, credibility, and impact at the regional and national levels.
  • Champion STELLAR's brand and value proposition with senior leaders, funding agencies, policymakers, and other external stakeholders.
  • Guide and review STELLAR publicity, including building relationships with press.

Operational Excellence and Talent Development
  • Establish and oversee policies, processes, and performance metrics that promote operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement based on stakeholder and client needs.
  • Build, mentor, and evaluate a high-performing STELLAR leadership team.
  • Promote a culture of collaboration, compliance, innovation, and service consistent with University values and NSF expectations.
  • Ensure STELLAR's operations effectively meet the needs of stakeholders, clients, and partners while advancing institutional and regional impact.

Minimum Education & Experience (Required):
  • Advanced technical degree in optics or related science/engineering fields
  • 10 years of managerial responsibility (preferably in an entrepreneurial setting)
  • or equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Demonstrated ability to establish business, university, non-profit, and community partnerships required.
  • Record of successful engagement with businesses and an understanding of their needs required.
  • Experience with R&D and workforce development coordination required
  • Experience in working within the regulatory framework of State and Federal funding required
  • Experience with a start-up company preferred
  • Experience in technology commercialization and/or working with or consulting with a technology company required
  • Economic development or business incubator experience including the recruitment and coordination of mentors and consultants required
  • Experience raising venture financing or working with the venture capital community preferred
  • Experience working with nonprofit and/or government funding agencies and sources required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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